Cheap Flights from Chicago to Tampa Starting at $36

The route Chicago — Tampa is served by many carriers — 5 in total, including United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Allegiant Air. This gives passengers wide opportunities: from finding the lowest fare (from $36) to selecting flights by schedule or service class. Our service aggregates data from multiple booking systems so you can compare offers in one place. This saves time and money: no need to check dozens of sites — just pick the right option and book online.

Chicago is served by two main commercial airports with distinct roles. O’Hare International (ORD) functions as a major international and domestic hub, handling a wide mix of full-service carriers and many long-haul flights; it can be perceived as mid-to-upper range on price compared with smaller airports. Located about 17 miles northwest of downtown, O’Hare is reachable by CTA Blue Line trains in roughly 40–50 minutes for a low fare, or by taxi/ride-hail in 30–60 minutes depending on traffic with higher costs. Pros: extensive route options and amenities; cons: busy terminals and occasional delays. Midway (MDW) operates more as a domestic and low-cost carrier focus, typically serving shorter-haul flights and budget-conscious travelers. Midway sits about 10 miles southwest of the Loop and is connected by the CTA Orange Line in about 20–30 minutes for a modest fare, while surface trips by car or ride-hail can take 20–45 minutes. Pros: compact layout and quicker connections for domestic itineraries; cons: fewer international options and less frequent late-night service compared with O’Hare.

Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the region’s main gateway and typically functions as a full-service, international hub with a mix of legacy carriers and several low-cost airlines operating scheduled flights. Located about 7 miles (roughly 20–30 minutes by road depending on traffic) west of downtown Tampa, the airport is usually reachable by rideshare or taxi (fares commonly in the mid-$20s to $40s), public buses and an express shuttle service; private car and rental options are also widely available. Travelers can expect a relatively compact, modern terminal layout that can be more comfortable and convenient than cheaper secondary fields, though fares and parking can feel higher than strictly budget airports nearby. For quick access to the city center and a broader choice of carriers, TPA is generally the most practical option.